Alternative Names

Antibiotic sensitivity testing; Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

How the test is performed

After the culture (sample) is collected from a person, it is sent to a lab. There, the samples are put in special containers to grow the microorganisms (germs) from the collected samples. Colonies of microorganisms are combined with different antibiotics to see how well each antibiotic stops each colony from growing. The test determines how effective each antibiotic is against a given organism.

How to prepare for the test

Follow your health care provider's instructions on how to prepare for the method used to obtain the culture.

How the test will feel

The way the test feels depends on the method used to obtain the culture.

Why the test is performed

The test shows which antibiotic drugs should be used to treat an infection.

Many organisms are resistant to certain antibiotics. So, sensitivity tests are important in helping find the right antibiotic for you. Your health care provider may start you on one antibiotic, but later change you to another because of the results of sensitivity analysis.

What abnormal results mean

If the organism shows resistance to the antibiotics used in the test, those antibiotics will not be effective treatment.

What the risks are

The risks depend upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.